By Ronald Sampson We all like renovations and upgrades and the nice and shiny. These things never come for free though, and especially for those of us who pay a significant amount in taxes, we often find ourselves asking if the juice is worth the squeeze. Rarely have I found myself wondering about it more than a recent announcement from … Read More
Axon’s Stock Soars While We Continue to Pay the Price
By Alexander Lomax It’s been a great year for our friends at Axon, hasn’t it? We probably don’t have to remind you of their egregious apartment megacomplex plans, their rezoning plan which seems to have shortchanged Arizona schools to the tune of tens of millions of dollars, the bullying of the Scottsdale City Council, and the end around at the … Read More
How Creepy is Cringy Josh Isner?
By Ronald Sampson When it comes to public faces of corporations, many of us know of Rick Smith, CEO of Axon. You have probably read many pieces about his unwanted apartment megacomplex in Scottsdale and his push to circumvent the will of the people to get his wish (you can read our coverage here). But there has been a significantly … Read More
Counterpoint: Opposition to Horse Sanctuary Proposal in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve
A proposal is under consideration to relocate approximately 60 ownerless Salt River horses from the Tonto National Forest to 600 acres in the northern part of Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve. While the intent of protecting the horses is commendable, the plan poses serious environmental, legal, logistical, and public safety concerns that conflict with the Preserve’s core mission. Environmental and Ecological … Read More
Old Town Scottsdale’s Unexpected Summer Renaissance
Something extraordinary is happening in Old Town Scottsdale this summer, and it’s rewriting the rules of Arizona’s entertainment landscape. While most entertainment districts typically slow down during the brutal desert heat, Scottsdale’s iconic nightlife scene is experiencing what industry insiders are calling a full-blown renaissance. The numbers tell the story: eight new nightlife concepts have debuted in rapid succession this … Read More
Guest Editorial: WestWorld is the cornerstone of Scottsdale’s equestrian legacy & tourism economy
By Mayor Lisa Borowsky WestWorld of Scottsdale is more than just a venue — it’s the beating heart of our city’s vibrant equestrian community and a significant driver of our local economy. As a lifelong Scottsdale resident, equestrian and horse show competitor, I’ve seen firsthand the profound impact the equestrian industry and, in particular, this facility has on our local … Read More
Wild Horses in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve? It May Come to Reality Soon
By Alexander Lomax To any close observers of Scottsdale politics, it’s no secret that Mayor Lisa Borowsky loves horses. In a fun little campaign quirk, she even put her horse on campaign signs. So a recent development is right up her alley, and she may have a perfect solution for a problem. In the midst of escalating tensions over the … Read More
Town Leaders Ask U.S. Postal Service to Keep Beloved Town Hall Post Office Open
The Town Hall Post Office has been an integral part of the Paradise Valley community for more than 60 years, and town leaders are asking the United States Postal Service (USPS) to keep it open. The USPS notified the Town earlier this month that it plans to close the branch at the end of September. “Our Town post office pre-dates the current town hall … Read More
Is Freedom of Speech Next on the Chopping Block for Scottsdale?
By Betty Janik The first 6 months of the new Scottsdale City Council have been tumultuous with no end in sight. With a shift in the majority, expectations were for smooth sailing ahead. Instead, we have witnessed internal power struggles, jealousy, and even legal charges filed with the county attorney by council members against each other. Unfortunately, this is consistent … Read More
Following Excellence: Previewing Arizona State’s 2025 Football Season
The desert air in Tempe crackles with anticipation as Arizona State enters the 2025 season riding the momentum of one of the most remarkable turnarounds in college football history. Just two seasons removed from a dismal 3-9 campaign, Kenny Dillingham transformed the Sun Devils into Big 12 champions and College Football Playoff participants in 2024, proving that his vision for … Read More

